Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a hardy annual related to beets and Swiss chard that has been used by humans for a long time. Native to southwest Asia, it was first cultivated in Persia (Iran) over 2000 years ago and used by the Chinese in the 6th century.
Avocados found their origin in Southern Mexico, where they naturally grow. Because of this, guacamole was inherently created by the Aztecs who inhabited that region of Mexico. Avocados contain a lot of health benefits, natural fats, and nutrients. They are a high source of carbs and healthy fats and may even help with cholesterol and blood sugar levels. One serving of guacamole can act as a quarter of your daily fiber recommended intake. Obviously, the Aztecs did not know about the exact health benefits of avocados, but they were aware that eating avocados made them feel good. In some cases, avocados were even seen as an aphrodisiac.
The first biscotti, often referred to as Biscotti di Prato, were created in 14th-century Tuscany in the city of Prato and were made from almonds, which were abundant in the region. Because the second baking drew moisture out of the biscuit, it rendered the biscotti hard, sturdy and, importantly, resistant to mold. Consequently, this turned out to be the ideal food to store. They soon became a favored provision of sailors, including Christopher Columbus, who traveled at sea for months at a time with the crunchy cargo.
It didn’t take long for other nationalities to discover the utility of these twice-baked biscuits. British hardtack — a twice-baked, dry, hard biscuit made from flour, water and salt — and German zwieback — a twice-baked, crisp, sweetened bread — are both spinoffs of the Italian original.
4ozwhite baking bar or white chocolate baking squares, coarsely chopped
3ozsemisweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
Lightly grease cookie sheet and set aside
Beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds
Add sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder; beat until combined
Beat in eggs
Beat in as much flour as your can using electric mixer. Then beat in the remaining flour with a wooden spoon. Stir in chopped chopped white baking bar and semisweet chocolate.
Shape dough into two 9 inch long rolls and place on prepared cookie sheet.
Flatten each roll slightly
Bake in 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until toothpick poked into center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let cool 1 hour
Cut each roll diagonally into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place slices, cut side down on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 8 minutes, the turn them over an bake for 7 to 9 minutes till cookie are dry and crisp (do not overbake)
Origins. While no one knows who invented this taste treat, most historians and foodies generally agree it originated in medieval Britain. The upper classes were the only ones to have access to the milk, sherry, and eggs required to make the first version, so it began as an exclusive beverage.
In a large heavy saucepan mix the egg yolks, milk, and 1/3 cup sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat til mixture just coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat.
Place saucepan in a sink or large bowl of ice water and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in rum, bourbon and vanilla Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
Just before serving in a mixing bowl beat the cream and tbsp of sugar till soft peaks form. Transfer chilled egg mixture to a punch bowl. Fold in the whipped cream mixture. Serve at once. Sprink each serving with nutmeg.
Cookies appear to have their origins in 7th century AD Persia, shortly after the use of sugar became relatively common in the region. They spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14th century, they were common in all levels of society throughout Europe, from royal cuisine to street vendors.
The word casserole is derived from a French word that means ‘saucepan’. Apparently, casseroles originated as communal pots that people shared for meals. The oldest recipe for a casserole, around 1250, consisted of pasta sheets cooked in water, layered with grated cheese and spices.
